Both toothaches and gingivitis can affect anyone, both animals and people. Here's some advice for maintaining the health of your pet's teeth and gums.
Bad breath in a pet is something many people accept as normal for their companion animal. Your dog or cat may be suffering from serious periodontal disease if they have bad breath alongside other symptoms like sore or bleeding gums. When it comes to your pet's oral health, it's about more than just ensuring they have a beautiful smile. While dental care for dogs is sometimes neglected, it's in everyone's best interest to teach dogs good oral hygiene habits from an early age. This will pay off in the long run.
Remain vigilant in everything you do.
Just like people, dogs need their coats brushed consistently to win the lifelong battle against plaque. When your pet eats, tartar, a hardened material, will eventually form from the plaque that first forms on their teeth. If plaque is your pet's main antagonist, then tartar is the most dangerous threat they face. Tartar irritates the gums and also acts as a breeding ground for pathogens.
If left untreated, the gums will become inflamed, pulling away from the teeth and causing cavities. These cavities, as you probably suspected, will become home to even more harmful bacteria. As gum disease progresses, the gums may bleed, the roots of your pet's teeth may become exposed, the teeth may become loose, and your cat may experience pain while eating. Over time, this bacteria can enter your pet's bloodstream, leading to liver and kidney disease. It's stealthy, it's uncomfortable, and yes, it's disgusting. On the other hand, it's not difficult to avoid.
Pay attention to signals that may indicate danger.
It shouldn't be difficult to spot changes in your cat's teeth and gums as the disease progresses. The warning signs are clear and cannot be ignored. The most important thing is not to ignore them under any circumstances. Below are some of the most common warning signs to look out for.
- Trouble breathing
- the increased sensitivity in the oral region
- A lack of appetite
- teeth with deposits that are yellow or brown
- Gums that are receding, swollen and bleeding due to periodontitis.
- Teeth that are missing or loose.
- Stick to the lips or face
- Finding it difficult to chew food
Polishing techniques
It's never too early to show your pet how to care for their teeth by brushing them properly. You can turn a quick teeth-brushing session into a fun bonding experience by offering praise and treats as motivation.
- Start by placing a soft gauze pad over your pet's teeth and hold it there. While massaging, hold your finger in place by wrapping a piece of gauze around it. This will help your pet become more accustomed to having its fur brushed.
- After a while, switch to using a pet toothbrush. Most companies that sell pet products also sell toothpaste and toothbrushes specifically designed for animals, such as cats and dogs. Only use toothpaste designed for human consumption.
- Focus specifically on your gums. The area where your gums meet your teeth requires the utmost attention to cleanliness.
- Brush each side of your mouth for one and a half minutes at least a few times a week.
Consult with your vet or a veterinarian.
Your family doctor or veterinary clinic is a good resource for both routine dental care and necessary treatment in the event of a dental emergency. Exams should be performed routinely to closely monitor your dog or cat's dental health. Your veterinarian may also recommend a preventative procedure, a type of cleaning that requires medication and anesthesia. Suppose your companion animal has a more serious condition. In that case, your veterinarian can advise you on the most appropriate treatment, which may include tooth extraction.
If your pet refuses to use the toothbrush, discuss other ways to prevent plaque buildup between checkups with your veterinarian.
Consider switching to dry food as one of your possible options.
While not as effective as brushing, feeding pets dry food can help keep their teeth and gums healthy. There's also a wide selection of food, treats, and toys specifically designed to improve dental health. Look for the "Seal of Acceptance" awarded by the Veterinary Oral Health Council to ensure the product meets the strict standards for successful plaque and tartar control.
5 reasons to take care of your dog's teeth
As a pet parent, you definitely want your dog's mouth to be healthy. Here are five reasons why your dog's dental care is so essential for their overall health:
- Preventing teeth from falling out. A dog's teeth become loose and fall out when the tissues supporting them become damaged or infected. Dental care for dogs ensures that the tooth-bearing structures remain healthy and the teeth stay in place.
- Keep bad breath at bay (halitosis). It's time for proper dental care if the smell of your dog's breath makes their nose hairs curl. Bad breath isn't a problem if your dog has a healthy mouth and teeth.
- Preventing oral discomfort. Dental disease can be unpleasant for dogs, especially if severe. Oral discomfort can be prevented by keeping your dog's teeth and gums healthy.
- Preventing organ damage is one of the most important things you can do. Plaque bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, kidneys, and liver. Bacteremia, or the spread of germs, can damage organs and make dogs sick. Bacteremia and related organ damage can be prevented by good oral hygiene.
- Preventing the progression of dental disease. Because so many dogs have dental disease by the age of three, preventing it can be challenging. On the other hand, good dental care for dogs can prevent dental disease from developing to the point where it causes problems throughout the body.
